
Balmerino
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Named after a Scottish village near the St Andrew’s golf course, Balmerino became a pioneer of global racing in the mid-1970s.
On the international stage the globetrotting galloper from Cambridge put New Zealand horses on the international racing map like no other with a series of world-class performances. Before embarking on the American and European mission, Balmerino notched up five Group One successes in Australia and New Zealand which included the New Zealand Derby, Tulloch Stakes, Rawson Stakes and the Brisbane Cup. His Northern Hemisphere wins included the Valdoe Stakes as well as the Clive Graham Stakes at Goodwood, England, and the Toluca Lake Handicap at Hollywood Park in the United States.
While in one of the world’s most famous racing events, Balmerino finished second and was only toppled by a mighty effort from Alleged. After the completion of his outstanding racing career, Balmerino went on to stand at stud in NZ.
Statistics
1972 bay stallion
Trictrac-Dulcie by Duccio
Breeder: Ralph Stuart
Owner: Ralph Stuart
Trainers: Brian Smith (New Zealand) and John Dunlop (England)
Race Record: 46 starts, 22 wins, 11 seconds, 2 thirds
Prize Money: NZ$516,000
Major race wins: New Zealand Derby, Brisbane Cup, Tulloch Stakes, Rawson Stakes,
New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas, Clive Graham Stakes, Valdoe Stakes